Vehicle control and communication via device in proximity

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are to make a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determine a user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination, and perform an operation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. 
     If the wireless device  100  is in proximity  106  to a TV in other systems  140 , automatic invocation system  198  may be used to turn on to the show that user  104  has scheduled in his calendar for this time. If no default action is available (i.e., the user  104  has no calendar entry), the viewing history or preferences of the user  104  may be used to select a channel, if viewing history and/or preferences cannot be used, the system may turn on the TV as usual. Alternatively, if user  104  has a web browser application executing on the wireless device  100  and the web browser is pointed to the URL for CNN, for example, the TV may be tuned to CNN as well.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to and claims the benefit of theearliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listedapplication(s) (the “Related Applications”) (e.g., claims earliestavailable priority dates for other than provisional patent applicationsor claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patentapplications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the presentapplication constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/389,669, entitled Wireless Device With AnAggregate User Interface For Controlling Other Devices, naming Edward K.Y. Jung, Royce A. Levien, Robert W. Lord, Mark A. Malamud, John D.Rinaldo, Jr., and Lowell L. Wood, Jr., as inventors, filed Mar. 24, 2006now U.S. Pat. No. 7,725,077, which is currently, or is an application ofwhich a currently application is entitled to the benefit of the filingdate.

The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to theeffect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent applicantsreference both a serial number and indicate whether an application is acontinuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit ofPrior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, availableat http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided above a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization, such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part,” for claiming priority to U.S. patentapplications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as setforth above, but expressly points out that such designations are not tobe construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as towhether or not the present application contains any new matter inaddition to the matter of its parent application(s).

All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and allparent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the RelatedApplications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent that suchsubject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the methodincludes but is not limited to making a determination that a firstdevice associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device,determining a user interface on the wireless device with respect to thevehicle based on the determination, and performing an operation withrespect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to theforegoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings,and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a computer program product. In oneimplementation, the computer program product includes but is not limitedto a signal-bearing medium bearing at least one of one or moreinstructions for making a determination that a first device associatedwith a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, the signal-bearingmedium bearing at least one of one or more instructions for determininga user interface on the wireless device with respect to the vehiclebased on the determination, and the signal bearing medium bearing atleast one of one or more instructions for performing an operation withrespect to the vehicle based on the determination. In addition to theforegoing, other computer program product aspects are described in theclaims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a system. In one implementation, the systemincludes but is not limited to a computing device and instructions. Theinstructions when executed on the computing device cause the computingdevice to make a determination that a first device associated with avehicle is in proximity to a wireless device, determine a user interfaceon the wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on thedetermination, and perform an operation with respect to the vehiclebased on the determination. In addition to the foregoing, other systemaspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a partof the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a device. In one implementation, the deviceincludes but is not limited to a device configured to make adetermination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device, the device includes a user interfaceconfigured to be determined on the wireless device with respect to thevehicle based on the determination, and an operation configured to beperformed with respect to the vehicle based on the determination. Inaddition to the foregoing, other device aspects are described in theclaims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of vehicle control and communication via adevice in proximity in which embodiments may be implemented, perhaps ina device.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehiclecontrol and communication via a device in proximity of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the vehiclecontrol and communication via a device in proximity of FIG. 1

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 15 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 19 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 25 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operationalflow of FIG. 3.

FIG. 28 illustrates a partial view of an example computer programproduct that includes a computer program for executing a computerprocess on a computing device.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example system in which embodiments may beimplemented.

The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless device 100 in which embodimentsmay be implemented. A wireless device 100 may include a display system153 for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface155, which may include a menu 156. Wireless device 100 may also includea controller 160 for providing overall control of wireless device 100, a(wireless) transceiver 157 to transmit (send) and receive signals,determination logic 154 for making various determinations, and automaticinvocation system 198 for automatically invoking “default” operationswith minimal or, in some cases, no user interaction, for example.Controller 160 may be, for example, a programmed controller ormicroprocessor, and may include hardware, software, and/or a combinationof hardware and software, for example. Controller 160 may include, forexample, a processor, memory, input and output, and other hardware,software, and/or firmware generally associated with a general purposecomputing device. An input system 159 may include a keyboard, keypad,pointing device (e.g., mouse, pointing stick), biometric identifier,button, toggle switch, or other input device that, for example, may beused by a user to input information to wireless device 100. Input System159 may include non-default actions 199 which may be, for example,button or key presses, or the like that may be used to indicate that anon-default action should be invoked.

Wireless device 100 may also include or store proximity information 158relating to one or more first devices 101. Proximity information 158 mayprovide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness orproximity of one or more first devices 101 to the wireless device 100.For example, proximity information 158 may identify a location of eachof the first devices 101, identify a distance (e.g., from wirelessdevice 100) to one of first devices 101, or may provide a list of whichdevices are in proximity (e.g., near or within a predetermined distance)to wireless device 100, and/or may identify which of the first devices101 are closest to wireless device 100, identify one of the firstdevices 101 that has been touched by wireless device 100, etc.

Wireless device 100 may be in proximity to or near one or more firstdevices 101. First devices 101 may include, for example, home audio andvideo related systems 110, vehicle related systems 120, banking andfinancial related systems 130, and other systems 140. Other systems 140may include a variety of other example wireless devices, such as aprinter, television, and satellite receiver, shown here, as well asother devices such as a camera, personal computer, photo frame, personaldigital assistant (PDA), or any number of first devices that mayestablish a wireless network connection or link with another device.Each of the first devices 101 may include a controller, a wirelesstransceiver, automatic invocation systems, determination or other logic,etc., as shown for wireless device 100. Each of the first devices 101may include one or more operations 111, 121, and 131, which may beperformed on or with respect to such first devices 101, and suchoperations are not shown with respect to other systems 140, but they areincluded in those systems as well.

First devices 101 shown in FIG. 1 provide several examples of devicesbut it is not an exhaustive list, and may also include any device orpart of a device with a wireless capability (e.g., including a vehicleor car itself, or a part of the vehicle, for example). Each of the firstdevices may be a wireless device. Alternatively, each of the firstdevices 101 may not be “wireless” or “wireless capable”, but may operateor work though an intermediary wireless device (not shown) in order tocommunicate wirelessly with wireless device 100.

The wireless device 100 may be controlled by a user 104, for instance,to control one or more of the first devices 101, which are in proximity106 to wireless device 100 or nearby wireless device 100. According toan example embodiment, proximity 106 may refer to an area that is nearor in proximity to wireless device 100. Thus, the various first devices101 may be in proximity or near wireless device 100.

In operation, the wireless device 100 may be used, for example, tocontrol one or more first devices 101 using a variety of differenttechniques. When a first device is within proximity 106 or near wirelessdevice 100, wireless device 100 may establish a wireless link orwireless network connection with the first device, e.g., via (wireless)transceiver 157. For example, by establishing a wireless link andcommunicating information with a first device, wireless device 100 maydetermine or make a determination that the first device is in proximityto wireless device 100. Alternatively, wireless device 100 may determinethat a first device is in proximity to wireless device 100 based on atouching or contact between the device 100 and the first device 101(e.g., wireless device 100 touches a “hot spot” or designated area forthe first device). Similarly, a first device 101 may determine that itis in proximity or near to wireless device 100, e.g., either through awireless communication link that is established with or contact towireless device 100, for example.

According to an example embodiment, one of the first devices 1001 andthe wireless device 100 may establish a wireless connection or wirelesslink and may exchange data when the two devices are near each other orwithin a maximum distance, e.g., when the first device is withinproximity 106 or near wireless device 100. For example, when a usercarrying wireless device 100 (or other device) moves toward the areagenerally indicated as proximity 106 in FIG. 1, he begins to makeclosure with (or move nearer to) the proximity 106. At this point thewireless device 100, the first devices 101, or a combination of both maymake a determination that the wireless device 100 is in proximity to oneor more of the first devices 1001.

Once one or more of the first devices 1001 are in proximity (e.g., nearor touching) to wireless device 100, a wireless connection or link maybe established, for instance using transceiver 157 and similartransceivers on the first devices 101. A variety of information may thenbe exchanged between the devices, and one or more actions or operationsmay be performed on the wireless device 100, e.g., either as defaultactions (via automatic invocation system 198), or as non-default actions199 upon a user selection, for instance.

According to an example embodiment, wireless device 100 may determine auser interface 155, e.g., based on a determination that one or morefirst devices 101 are in proximity or near wireless device 100 or basedon a determination that one or more of the first devices 101 haveoperations that are of particular use to the user 104, or both, asexamples. In an example embodiment, the user interface 155 may beprovided or displayed on display system 153 of wireless device 100, forexample.

The user interface 155 may, for example, be a user interface that mayprovide an aggregate or cumulative interface providing one or moreinformation elements related to one or more devices. For example, theuser interface may include a list of operations associated with one ormore devices that may be in proximity to wireless device 100, or a menu156 of elements or operations for each of a plurality of first devices101 in proximity. The user interface 155 may change or be updated basedon changing environment, e.g., a new set of operations displayed as newwireless devices come into proximity, etc. The user interface 155 may becontinually updated by sorting a list of first devices 101 in proximity106, e.g., ordered by distance and changing the output to display system153. This updating of the user interface 155 may be performed, forexample, in part using determination logic 154 and controller 160, alongwith proximity information 158 associated with each first device.However, user interface 155 may also be centrally determined, ordetermined by an “observer” component (not shown) removed from thewireless device 100, or alternatively on one or more of the firstdevices 101.

A number of examples will now be provided, and these are onlyillustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In oneexample, the user 104 may carry wireless device 100 and move toward acamera in the area generally indicated as proximity 106 (being inproximity to various first devices 101), the camera having a particularphoto or image displayed thereon. In an example, if the user 104 isholding a wireless device 100 comprising a cellular phone with aparticular contact selected, automatic invocation system 198 of thecamera may send or wirelessly transmit the photo to the cellular phone,where the photo may be stored with or associated with the contact on thecellular phone. For example, this may be done automatically, e.g.,without direct interaction from the user 104 other than to move towardone of the first devices 101 in the above-described state.

In another example, the user 104 with a PDA type wireless device 100 maymove toward a printer in other systems 140, in the area generallyindicated as proximity 106 (thus, the two devices are in proximity). Theprinter may detect the PDA wireless device and determine that thedevices are in proximity (e.g., wireless detection or contact) and mayprint a document displayed on the PDA. Alternatively, or in addition, auser 104 may use the input system 159 to provide additional input, e.g.,by tapping on input system 159, or selecting a key, or by reorientingthe wireless device 100 (e.g., PDA in this example) to present a printdialog on the PDA or select a specific action to be performed.

When an MP3 player style wireless device 100 is brought into proximity106 with a PC in first devices 101, a menu 156 may be presented on theMP3 player with options, for example, to sync, begin playing the currentsong on the PC, transfer the user interface of the MP3 player (in itscurrent state) to the PC. After a brief pause (if none of these isexplicitly selected) automatic invocation system 198 may cause the MP3player to stop playing and have the PC take over playing the currentsong.

Tapping, gesturing, or reorienting a camera style wireless device 100when it is in proximity 106 with to a digital photo frame in firstdevices 101 may cause automatic invocation system 198 to put a suitablytransformed, current viewfinder image to the photo frame. Doubletapping, represented by non-default actions 199, may be used to put theentire contents of the camera, a slideshow, and/or a menu 156 oftransition effects choices on the camera style wireless device 100.

Another example may occur when the user 104 is carrying wireless device100 and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity 106.Automatic invocation system 198 may cause the display system 153 topresent a menu 156 of operations supported by one or more of the firstdevices 101 that are in proximity 106. The menu 156 may be used tooperate the first devices 101. For example, each of the first devices101 are indicated as having operations 111, 121, and 131 that may beperformed on them. The menu 156 may be a list of these operations andselecting one of them sends a command to the first devices 101 andcauses one of the first devices 101 to otherwise execute the command.

Another example occurs when the user 104 is carrying wireless device 100and moves toward the area generally indicated as proximity 106. Thewireless device 100 automatically connects to a DVD in home audio andvideo related systems 110 and then to a CD player in home audio andvideo related systems 110 and then to a game system, such as an Xbox orPlaystation, which may be used to determine and/or provide a userinterface 155 presenting a collected user interface for all the devicesin home audio and video related systems 110. The user interface 155 maythen be used to operate all of the devices in home audio and videorelated systems 110. For example, a menu 156 may be provided with a“Play” operation 111 with a submenu “Play Music, Play DVD” each of whichhas submenus, (i.e., On Xbox, On CD player). This user interface 155and/or menu 156 may also vanish or disappear from display system 153after a fixed time unless the user 104 asks to keep it, for example.

If the wireless device 100 is in proximity 106 to a TV in other systems140, automatic invocation system 198 may be used to turn on to the showthat user 104 has scheduled in his calendar for this time. If no defaultaction is available (i.e., the user 104 has no calendar entry), theviewing history or preferences of the user 104 may be used to select achannel, if viewing history and/or preferences cannot be used, thesystem may turn on the TV as usual. Alternatively, if user 104 has a webbrowser application executing on the wireless device 100 and the webbrowser is pointed to the URL “http://www.cnn.com/, for example, the TVmay be tuned to CNN as well.

In another example, the user 104 moves toward proximity 106 with aplurality of first devices 101. If, for example, the user 104 uses thenon-default actions 199 of input system 159 to activate an “availableactions” button, a list of the first devices 101 present theiroperations to wireless device 100 at display system 153.

First devices 101 may also indicate what direction user 104 needs towalk to approach a particular device, using at least proximityinformation 158. As the user 104 gets closer to some and farther fromothers of the first devices 101 and their operations 111, 121, and 131reorder themselves on the user interface 155, e.g., closest devices atthe top, until the user 104 get very close at which point the optionsfor only one (the closest) of the first devices 101 is presented on theuser interface 155 on display system 153. Thus, the user interface 155may be continually updated using at least determination logic 154 andproximity information 158 in wireless device 100. Finally, a user 104 ofthe device 100 may cause to invoke a default or non-default action (forinstance by gesturing, tilting the wireless device, or otherwiseindicating a default or non-default action should occur depending on theoperations available).

In another example, the wireless device 100 may make a determinationabout the locations of the first devices 101. The locations may becommunicated, e.g., from the first devices 101, to a central device (notshown) that may compute proximities and transmit to the wireless device100, or also to one or more of the first devices 101. One or more of thefirst devices 101 may also use the location of the wireless device 100to transmit its proximity 106 or location to it. In this example, thefirst devices 101 might not transmit proximity 106 or locationinformation at all, but instead decide for itself what commands, itwants to transmit to the wireless device 100. Alternatively, some firstdevices 101 might, in addition to transmitting enough locationinformation for the wireless device 100 to determine proximity 106, alsotransmit specific information (such as subsets of options or commands)based on the determination of proximity 106 from the first devices 101.

FIG. 2 illustrates certain alternative embodiments of the wirelessdevice 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 illustrates a wireless device 100,including a display system 153, a user interface 155, and a plurality ofmenus 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210. Menus 200-210 may correspond,for instance to menu 156 of FIG. 1.

Menu 200 comprises a list of the first devices 101 that are in proximitywith wireless device 100. In this example that includes an audio system,a printer, a TV, a camera, a video satellite receiver, an airconditioner, the living room lighting, and a refrigerator. In thisexample, the audio system is the closest one of the first devices 101,so its operations are shown in menu 202, which include in this example,“play song”, “download audio file”, “select radio station”, and “adjustvolume”.

Menus 204 and 206 are also shown on the user interface 155. Menu 204includes the first devices 101 that are near but not yet in proximity106 with a user's wireless device 100. In this example, the user 104 iswalking toward a garage. As the user 104 walks, the garage lighting andthe user's Honda Civic are nearly in proximity 106, and represent firstdevices 101 that will soon probably be available and within proximity106. The garage lighting and Honda Civic are listed in menu 204. Theclosest, default, or first device 101 deemed most important is listed inmenu 206, which is the user's Honda Civic. The user's behavior patternsmay have indicated to the wireless device 100 that the Honda Civic ismost important, or the user may have specified that informationexplicitly to wireless device 100, or alternatively menu 206 may bebased solely on proximity 106, by listing the closest first device 101as in menu 202.

Menu 208 gives an example of a list that may form part of the userinterface 155, showing the access restrictions for devices that are inproximity 106. In this case, the printer, TV, and camera are restricted,while the air conditioner and refrigerator are available for use. Menu210 shows first device ownership. In menu 210, Dad owns the printer andmom owns the TV. The camera is owned by Johnny, and the wireless networkand refrigerator have unspecified ownership and/or are deemed to beowned by anyone capable of establishing a connection with them using awireless device 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless device 300 in which embodimentsmay be implemented. Alternatively, wireless device 300 may similar to oreven the same as wireless device 100 (FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 3, wireless device 300 may include a display system153 for displaying a variety of information, such as a user interface155, which may include a menu 156. Wireless device 300 may also includea controller 160 for providing overall control of wireless device 300, acommunication device 349, which includes a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag 302 with an antenna 340 and/or an RFID reader304 with an antenna 342, to transmit (send) and receive signals withother devices that communicate via RFID, determination logic 154 formaking various determinations, and automatic invocation system 198 forautomatically invoking operations with minimal or, in some cases, nouser interaction, for example. Input System 159 may include non-defaultactions 199 which may be, for example, button or key presses, or thelike that may be used to indicate that a non-default action should beinvoked by the wireless device 300 or by another device.

Wireless device 300 may also include or store proximity information 158relating to one or more first devices 101. Proximity information 158 mayprovide, for example, information relating to a location or closeness orproximity of one or more of the first devices 101 to the wireless device300.

First devices 101 may include a first device 301 shown in FIG. 3. Firstdevice 301 may be associated with a vehicle 330. Vehicle 330 may be anytype of vehicle, such as an automobile (e.g., car, truck, bus),locomotive, plane, or other vehicle. First device 301 may includevehicle related systems 120, which may include one or more of aninformation system 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heatingand/or air conditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, anavigation system 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, adriver settings system 352, a security system 320, a communicationsystem 348, and a user customization system 350, for performingoperations with respect to the vehicle 330. First device 301 mayoptionally include a display 355 for displaying information and/or aninput device 354 for receiving input.

According to an example embodiment, first device 301 may include acontroller 312 and a communication device 310. The communication device310 may include an RFID tag 308 with an antenna 336 and/or an RFIDreader 306 with an antenna 338. The RFID tag 308 further includes, atransponder 334 connected to circuitry 344. The RFID reader 306 furtherincludes energizer, demodulator, and decoder circuits 332 and circuits346. Communication devices 310 and 349 may each also include a wirelesstransceiver, such as transceiver 157 from FIG. 1. The communicationdevice 310 may be configured to transmit (send) and receive signals withother devices that communicate via RFID, according to an exampleembodiment.

In operation, communication devices 310 and 349, for example, may beused to establish a proximity related connection. For example, antenna338 or 342 may be used to transmit radio-frequency (RF) signals in arelatively short range referred to generally as proximity 106. The RFradiation or transmission may provides a medium or technique forcommunicating with a transponder tag (RFID tag 302 or 308) and (in thecase of passive RFID tags) it may provide the RFID tag 302 or 308 withthe energy to communicate. This is only required in passive RFIDdevices; since passive RFID devices do not necessarily containbatteries, and can therefore remain usable for very long periods oftime.

The antennas 336, 338, 340, and 342 may be affixed to a surface or maybe handheld or removable, and may be a variety of different antennatypes. For example, the antennas 336, 338, 340 and/or 342 may be builtinto a door or configured inside a dashboard to accept data from personsor objects passing through or otherwise being within the proximity 106.

When an RFID tag 302 or 308 passes through the proximity 106 of one ofthe antennas 338 or 342, the RFID tag may detect an activation signalfrom the antenna 338 or 342. The activation signal may “wake up” theRFID tag 302 or 308, and the RFID tag may then transmit the informationon its microchip to be picked up by the antenna 338 or 342. In addition,the RFID tag 302 or 308 may be of one of two types. 1) Active RFID tags,which typically have their own power source. An advantage of active RFIDtags is that the reader can be much farther away and still receive thesignal, meaning the area referred to as proximity 106 may increase forsuch devices. However, such active RFID devices may periodically requirenew batteries and/or have limited life spans. 2) Passive RFID tags,which typically do not require batteries, and can be much smaller andhave a very long life span.

RFID tags 302 or 308 may be read in a wide variety of circumstances. Thetag need not be on the surface of the object (and is therefore notsubject to wear), the read time is typically less than 100 milliseconds,and large numbers of tags can be read at once rather than item by item.

The wireless device 300 may be controlled by a user 104, for instance,to control one or more of the first devices 101, which are in proximity106 to the wireless device 300 or nearby to the wireless device 300,such as first device 301. In the example of FIG. 3, wireless device 300may control first device 301, including any vehicle related systems 120within first device 301. For example, wireless device 300 may control orperform an operation with respect to one or more of an informationsystem 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heating and/or airconditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, a navigationsystem 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, a driver settingssystem 352, a security system 320, a communication system 348, and auser customization system 350, for performing operations with respect tothe vehicle. The above systems may be activated or controlled usingcontroller 312 in response to an explicit action by the user 104, eitherthrough the user interface 155 of the wireless device 300, or by theuser's motions and/or gestures, or implicitly in response to a defaultsituation where an action should be performed irrespective of the user'sexplicit actions. For example, a signal may be transmitted, either as adefault action or in response to user input, from wireless device 300 tofirst device 301 to perform an operation with respect to the vehicle orcontrol one of the vehicle related systems 120.

According to an example embodiment, proximity 106 may refer to an areathat is near or in proximity to the wireless device 300. Thus, thevarious first devices 101, such as first device 301, may be in proximityor near the wireless device 300. Proximity 106 may also be defined as arelative location, or distance between two devices (i.e., the wirelessdevice 300 and the first device 301), and includes changes in distancebetween the devices, such as rate of closure between the two devices.The rate of closure may be affected, for example, by gestures from theuser 104, (i.e., tilting a device, moving one device closer to anotherdevice, or sequences of changes that occur within proximity 106 overtime). Gesture-based actions within proximity 106 may be interpreted bythe wireless device 300 or the first device 301. In the example of FIG.3, the proximity 106 may include for instance, the range of antennas336, 338, 340, and 342, since an RFID communication device such ascommunication device 310 or 349 operates in the general range that theantennas 336, 338, 340, and 342 are capable of reliably transmitting andreceiving RF signals. Typically, this may be a fairly short range, butthe range may be increased if high-frequency devices are used.

According to an example embodiment, the first device 301 and thewireless device 300 may establish a wireless connection or wireless linkand may exchange data when the two devices are near each other or withina maximum distance, e.g., when the first device 301 is within proximity106 or near the wireless device 300. For example, when a user 104carrying the wireless device 300 (or other device) moves toward the areagenerally indicated as proximity 106 in FIG. 1, he begins to makeclosure with (or move nearer to) the proximity 106. At this point thewireless device 300, the first device 301, or a combination of both maymake a determination that the wireless device 300 is in proximity to thefirst device 301.

Once the first device 301 is in the proximity 106 of (e.g., near ortouching) the wireless device 300, a wireless connection or link may beestablished. A variety of information may then be exchanged between thedevices, and one or more actions or operations may be performed withrespect to one or more of an information system 314, an audio and/orvideo system 316, a heating and/or air conditioning system 318, alighting control system 322, a navigation system 324, a lock system 326,an ignition system 328, a driver settings system 352, a security system320, a communication system 348, and a user customization system 350,e.g., either as default actions (via automatic invocation system 198),or as non-default actions 199 upon a user selection, for instance.

According to an example embodiment, the wireless device 300 maydetermine a user interface 155, e.g., based on a determination that thefirst device 301 is in proximity or near wireless device 300 or based ona determination that the first device 301 has operations that are ofparticular use to the user 104, or both, as examples. In an exampleembodiment, the user interface 155 may be provided or displayed ondisplay system 153 of wireless device 300, for example.

A number of examples will now be provided, and these are onlyillustrative and the embodiments are not limited thereto. In oneexample, the user 104 may carry the wireless device 300 so that awireless link or a contact is established with the first device 301,which in turn controls vehicle related systems 120. Automatic invocationsystem 198 may be used to actuate lock system 326 in order to unlock thevehicle by default, e.g., after the wireless device 300 comes intoproximity with the first device 301 (e.g., either through contact withthe first device 301 or by establishing a wireless link or communicationwith first device 301). Alternatively, pressing a button, for example,in non-default actions 199 may present a menu 156 with choices (unlock,adjust seats, unlock all, start engine, turn lights on, and openwindows, for example) on the wireless device 300. Walking away from thevehicle may cause the wireless device 300 to exit proximity 106, whichmay similarly invoke an action automatically via automatic invocationsystem 198, for example locking the vehicle (or otherwise performing adefault set of “leaving” operations that user 104 has set on thewireless device 300). This set of leaving actions may occur, e.g.,either in response to a user selection on input system 159, or may occurautomatically when the wireless device 300 determines that it is nolonger in proximity 106 to the first device 301 (or vice-versa) (e.g.,wireless device 300 is no longer contacting the first device 301,wireless device 300 is no longer near or in proximity to the firstdevice 301, wireless device 300 disconnects a wireless link to the firstdevice 301, or wireless device 300 is no longer associated with thefirst device 301).

The above system may operate with banking and financial related systems130, for example in the case of a vehicle rental activity by the user104. The wireless device 300 may be set by default to, e.g., viacommunication with first device 301, to not only unlock the vehicle 330and start the motor, for example, but it might also charge the user'scredit card the fee required to rent the vehicle 330 as well. Such userdata needed to complete the transaction may be stored in the wirelessdevice 300, or it may be known by the first device 301 or a third-partyintermediary device as well.

FIG. 4 illustrates an operational flow 400 representing exampleoperations related to vehicle control and communication via a device inproximity. In FIG. 4 and in following figures that include variousexamples of operational flows, discussion and explanation may beprovided with respect to the above-described examples of FIGS. 1-3,and/or with respect to other examples and contexts. However, it shouldbe understood that the operational flows may be executed in a number ofother environments and contexts, and/or in modified versions of FIGS.1-3. Also, although the various operational flows are presented in thesequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that the variousoperations may be performed in other orders than those which areillustrated, or may be performed concurrently.

After a start operation, the operational flow 400 moves to a makingoperation 410 where a determination is made that a first deviceassociated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 160 of the wireless device 300may make a determination that the first device 301 is in proximity 106to the wireless device 300 by detecting a touching or contact betweenthe two wireless devices or between wireless device 300 and vehicle 330for instance. Using communication devices 310 and 349, which includeRFID components. Alternatively, the wireless device 300 may make adetermination that it is in proximity 106 or near to the first device301 by wirelessly detecting the first device 301 and/or establishing awireless link or connection with the first device 301, for example.Alternatively, first device 301 may determine that it is in proximity towireless device 300, for example, by communication device 310 receivingand/or transmitting RFID signals with communication device 349 ofwireless device 300.

In another example embodiment, determination logic 154 of the wirelessdevice 300 may make a determination that the wireless device 300 is inproximity to the first device 301, e.g., based on device contact orbased on a wireless link that may be established via communicationdevice 349 to the first device 301. Based on this determination,proximity information 158 may be updated to indicate that the firstdevice 301 is in proximity 106, e.g., identifying the device, itslocation or distance, etc. Alternatively, a wireless link may beestablished or contact detected, which may cause proximity information158 to be updated. Determination logic 154 may then make a determinationthat the first device 301 is not in proximity 106 to the wireless device300 based on this proximity information 158, for example, and/or incombination with additional information from controller 160.

Then, in a determining operation 420, a user interface is determined onthe wireless device with respect to the vehicle based on thedetermination. For example, controller 160 of wireless device 300 maydetermine a user interface 155 to be displayed on display system 153based on received information or signals. For example, one or moreinformation elements may be provided on display system 153, e.g., basedon vehicle related systems 120, which may be controlled by the firstdevice 301 when it is in proximity 106 to the wireless device 300. Theuser interface 155 may be displayed on display system 153, e.g.,including a menu of operations that may be performed using the firstdevice 301. In addition, display system 153 may include a user interface155 that may be formed in a variety of different ways, such as shown anddescribed in the examples of FIG. 1-3, including using a menu 156.Proximity information 158 may be used with determination logic 154 tocombine a plurality of operations that are available to the first device301 via vehicle related systems 120, and combine or aggregate them intoa single menu or a plurality of menus as a user interface 155 on displaysystem 153 of the wireless device 300, for example.

Then, in a performing operation 430, an operation is performed withrespect to the vehicle based on the determination. For example, anoperation(s) may be performed related either to a local or remotetransmission of the digital data, or to another type of transmission. Asdiscussed herein, in addition to accessing, querying, recalling, orotherwise obtaining the digital data for the performing, making, ordetermining operations, operations may be performed related to storing,sorting, identifying, associating, or otherwise archiving the digitaldata to a memory, including, for example, sending and/or receiving atransmission of the digital data from a remote memory. Accordingly, anysuch operation(s) may involve elements including at least an operator(e.g., either human or computer) directing the operation, a transmittingcomputer, and/or a receiving computer, and should be understood to occurwithin the United States as long as at least one of these elementsresides in the United States.

In an example embodiment, wireless device 300 may perform an operationwith respect to the vehicle 330, such as locking a door of the vehicle330, by transmitting a signal via communication device 349 to causefirst device 301 to control one or more of the vehicle related systems120. This signal or command may be transmitted by wireless device 300 asa default action or in response to a user input. Alternatively, firstdevice 301 may, based on the determination, perform an operation withrespect to the vehicle 330, such as locking a door, adjusting the heatvia heating A/C system 318, etc.

In an example embodiment, the performing operation 430 may includewireless device controlling first device 301 to perform a defaultaction, which may occur via automatic invocation system 198, withoutdirect intervention from the user 104. As an example, wireless device300 may perform an operation by sending a signal via communicationdevice 349 to control one or more of the vehicle related systems 120.For example, in the case of information system 314, for example, theperforming operation 430 may include automatically billing the user'scredit card as the user 104 enters the vehicle, in the case of a vehiclerental. In the case of audio and/or video system 316, for example, theperforming operation 430 may include, turning the radio on to a specificstation at a specified volume with specified audio qualities such astone, balance, treble, bass, and fade. In the case of heating and/or airconditioning system 318, for example, the performing operation 430 mayinclude, operating the air conditioning and/or heater to achieve apredetermined interior cabin temperature. In the case of lightingcontrol system 322, for example, the performing operation 430 mayinclude turning on or off the interior and/or exterior lights, dimmingthe lights after a certain time period, or otherwise providing aninterior and/or exterior lighting scenario that the user 104 desires. Inthe case of navigation system 324, for example, the performing operation430 may include, providing directions from a current location to adefault or a list of default or commonly traveled locations. In the caseof lock system 326, for example, the performing operation 430 mayinclude, actuating the lock system 326 in order to automatically unlockthe doors as the user 104 becomes close to the vehicle and/or lockingthe vehicle as the user 104 walks away from the vehicle (e.g., lockingthe vehicle upon detecting that devices 300 and 301 are no longer inproximity).

In the case of ignition system 328, for example, the performingoperation 430 may include, engaging the ignition system when anauthorized user enters the vehicle. In the case of the driver settingssystem 352, for example, the performing operation 430 may include,automatically moving the seats and/or mirrors to predetermined desiredpositions. In the case of lock system 320, for example, the performingoperation 430 may include, automatically deactivating the alarm when theuser 104 becomes close to the vehicle and/or engaging the alarm as theuser 104 walks away from the vehicle. In the case of communicationsystem 328, for example, the performing operation 430 may includecausing one or more communication devices such as cell phones, internetconnections, e-mail clients, instant messenger programs, etc., to entera ready state, to send and/or receive messages, to establish aconnection, or to otherwise to be prepared to communicate. In the caseof ignition system 328, for example, the performing operation 430 mayinclude activating the motor of the vehicle. In the case of usercustomization system 350, for example, the performing operation 430 mayinclude invoking the user customizations, which may include changing theinterior layout to suit the user's preference, including, for example,the position of the controls, colors, or overall appearance of an LCD,such as display 355, background sounds, and the like.

FIG. 5 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 502.

At the operation 502 a determination is made by the wireless device thatthe first device is in proximity to the wireless device. For example,wireless device 300 may determine that it is in proximity to firstdevice 301 by wirelessly detecting RFID signals received viacommunication device 349 from first device 301, and/or by establishing awireless link, an RFID link, or other link or connection with the firstdevice 301, for example. Other methods known to those skilled in the artmay be used including a Bluetooth connection, an 802.11(a)-(g) typeconnection, a satellite connection, an RF connection, an IR connection,or any other connection or communications link. Alternatively, as shownin FIG. 3, controller 160 of wireless device 300 may make adetermination that the first device 301 is in proximity to the wirelessdevice 300 by detecting a touching or contact between the two wirelessdevices, or detecting touching or contact between wireless device 300and vehicle 330.

FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 602.

At the operation 602 a determination is made by the wireless device thatthe first device is in proximity to the wireless device based on areceived wireless signal from the first device. The wireless device 300may make a determination that it is in proximity 106 or near the firstdevice 301 by wirelessly detecting the first device 301, by wirelesslyreceiving an RFID signal via communication device 349 from first device301, and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFID link, or other link orconnection with the first device 301, for example.

FIG. 7 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 702, and/or an operation704.

At the operation 702 a touching between the wireless device and thevehicle is determined. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 312in communication device 310 of the first device 301, or controller 160in wireless device 300, may make a determination that the wirelessdevice 300 is touching the vehicle 330 by detecting a contact betweenthe wireless device 300 and vehicle 330, for example. Alternatively, thefirst device 301 may make a determination that it (or vehicle 330) istouching or contacting the wireless device 300 by wirelessly detectingthe wireless device 300 and/or establishing a wireless link, an RFIDlink, or other link or connection with the wireless device 300, forexample.

At the operation 704 a wireless communications link is establishedbetween the first device and the wireless device in response to thedetermining of a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle.For example, a wireless link may be established between communicationdevices 310 and 349. In one example, the RFID tag 308 may become inproximity 106 to antenna 342, typically when the user 104 walks towardthe first device 301. RFID tag 308 may detect an activation signal fromthe antenna 342. The activation signal may “wake up” the RFID tag 308and it transmits the information on its microchip to be received up bythe antenna 342.

FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 8 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 802, and/or an operation804.

At the operation 802 a first device coupled to a vehicle is determinedto be in proximity to a wireless device without the wireless devicetouching the vehicle. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, controller 160 ofwireless device 300 may make a determination that the first device 301is in proximity without touching the vehicle 301 by receiving, forexample, an RFID signal from first device 301.

At the operation 804 a wireless communications link between the firstdevice and the wireless device is established in response to thedetermining that a first device coupled to a vehicle is in proximity toa wireless device without the wireless device touching the vehicle. Forexample, communication device 349 of wireless device 300 may establish awireless communications link with communication device 310 of firstdevice 301. The communications link may operate, for example, as shownin FIG. 3, with respect to the link established between communicationdevices 310 and 349. In another example, the RFID tag 302 becomes inproximity 106 to antenna 338. RFID tag 302 detects an activation signalfrom the antenna 338. The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag 302and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by theantenna 338.

FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 illustrates example embodiments where themaking operation 410 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 902.

At the operation 902 a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal isreceived from the first device. The RFID signal may be received, forexample, at communication device 349 from communication device 310. Asanother example, as shown in FIG. 3, the RFID tag 302 becomes inproximity 106 to antenna 338. RFID tag 302 detects an activation signalfrom the antenna 338. The activation signal “wakes up” the RFID tag 302,and it transmits the information on its microchip to be picked up by theantenna 338. The same scenario may occur with regard to RFID tag 308 andantenna 342. Also, or in the alternative, both scenarios may occursimultaneously or relatively simultaneously, wherein the wireless device300 and the first device 301 are each using both an RFID reader and anRFID tag at about the same time.

FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1002.

At the operation 1002 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto the first device to cause the vehicle to perform a default operationin response to the receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID)signal from the first device. For example, if the user 104 carryingwireless device 300 walks toward the driver side door of the vehicle, inresponse to receiving an RFID signal from first device 301, wirelessdevice 300 may transmit a signal to the first device 301 to control thelock system 326 of the vehicle to open the lock on the driver side door.Similarly, if the user 104 walks toward the passenger side of thevehicle 330, wireless device 300 may send a signal to first device 301to cause all locks of the vehicle to be unlocked by lock system 326.Likewise, if the user 104 walks toward the trunk of the vehicle 330, thetrunk lock of the vehicle might be unlocked using the lock system 326,but not necessarily the other locks.

FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 11 illustrates example embodiments where thedetermining operation 420 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1102.

At the operation 1102 a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle isdisplayed on the wireless device. In an example embodiment, displaysystem 153 may display a menu of vehicle operations. The operationsdisplayed on display system 153 may include, for example, operationsthat are capable of being performed from one or more of an informationsystem 314, an audio and/or video system 316, a heating and/or airconditioning system 318, a lighting control system 322, a navigationsystem 324, a lock system 326, an ignition system 328, a driver settingssystem 352, a security system 320, a communication system 348, and/or auser customization system 350. For example, a user sitting in thedriver's seat might be an indication that an operation should beperformed with respect to the lighting control system 322 (i.e., to turnon, off, or dim the lights) or the ignition system 328 to start themotor or activate the battery.

FIG. 12 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 12 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1202.

At the operation 1202 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto the first device to cause the first device to perform a first defaultoperation with respect to the vehicle in response to the making adetermination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device. For example, if the user 104 carryingwireless device 300 approaches the vehicle 330, then the wireless device300 may send a signal to control one or more vehicle related systems120. For example, automatic invocation system 198 of wireless device 300may cause wireless device 300 to transmit a signal to first device 301to cause the seats of vehicle 330 to move to a pre-determined position,the mirrors to move to appropriate the positions, and the radio stationscaused to save the user's desired radio stations as pre-sets in theradio memory, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 13 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1302.

At the operation 1302 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto the first device to cause the first device to actuate a door lock ofthe vehicle. For example, the wireless device 300 might storeinstructions that represent default actions in certain scenarios. If,for example, the user 104 wants only the driver door to unlock when thewireless device 300 is in proximity to first device 301, then thewireless device 300 may transmit a signal to the first device 301 toactuate lock system 326, which causes only the door lock of the driverdoor to be actuated. Similarly, if there is a change in proximity, orotherwise the relative distance between the first device 301 and thewireless device 300 increases to such an extent that it is determinedthat the user is exiting proximity 106, wireless device 300 maysimilarly transmit a signal to first device 301 to lock the driver door.

FIG. 14 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 14 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1402.

At the operation 1402 a signal from the wireless device is transmittedto the first device to cause the first device to control an ignitionsystem on the vehicle based on the determination. For example,communication device 349 of wireless device 300 may transmit a signal orcommand to first device 301 to cause ignition system 328 to start theengine for vehicle 330 based on a change in proximity, such as if theuser moves toward the vehicle 330, for example. This signal or commandmay be transmitted as a default action or in response to user input, forexample.

FIG. 15 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 15 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1502.

At the operation 1502 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto the first device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation withrespect to one or more of a security system, a lock system, an airconditioning system, a heating system, an audio system, or a videosystem for the vehicle based on the determination. For example, wirelessdevice 300 may transmit a signal to cause controller 312 to control thesecurity system 320 and the lock system 326 to deactivate the vehiclesecurity system and unlock the vehicle doors, respectively, when theuser 104 approaches the vehicle. In another example, the ignition system328 might be controlled, based on a signal sent from wireless device300, to activate the motor of the vehicle automatically via automaticinvocation system 198, without user intervention. As another example,the wireless device 300 might transmit a signal via communication device349 to the first device 301 causing first device 301 to control the airconditioning and heating system to bring the interior cabin to apre-determined or default temperature and it might also tune the radioto pre-set stations that the user 104 has previously programmed in.

FIG. 16 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 16 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1602.

At the operation 1602 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto the first device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation withrespect to one or more of a navigation system, an information system, anignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, adriver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehiclebased on the determination. For example, the wireless device 300 mighttransmit a signal via communication device 349 to the first device 301causing first device 301 to control the navigation system 324 to obtaindirections and collect information regarding a best traffic route,identify roads having accidents or construction, etc., for a specificdestination or trip.

FIG. 17 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 17 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1702.

At the operation 1702 a signal, associated with a default operation, istransmitted from the wireless device to the first device to cause thevehicle to perform the default operation based on the determination. Inan example, automatic invocation system 198 may cause a control signalassociated with one or more default operations to be transmitted fromwireless device 300 to first device 301, causing controller 312 of firstdevice 301 to control user customization system 350 to move the seatsand mirrors to predetermined positions, change the interior cabinbackground sounds, change the LCD or other screen's background anddigital control layout, etc.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 18 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1802, an operation 1804,and/or operation 1806.

At the operation 1802 a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicle isdisplayed on the wireless device as part of the determined userinterface. At operation 1804 a selection of one of the vehicleoperations is received at the wireless device. At the operation 1806, asignal from the wireless device is transmitted to the first device tocontrol the first device to perform the selected vehicle operation. Forexample, a menu 156 of vehicle operations may be displayed on displaysystem 153 of wireless device 300. The menu of vehicle operationsdisplayed on display system 153 might include operations related to thecapabilities or vehicle related systems 120 of the vehicle, including,but not limited vehicle operations related to an information system 314,an audio and/or video system 316, a heating and/or air conditioningsystem 318, a lighting control system 322, a navigation system 324, alock system 326, an ignition system 328, a driver settings system 352, asecurity system 320, a communication system 348, and a usercustomization system 350. An operation may be selected by the user 104,for example, selecting an operation to play a specific DVD might causethe wireless device 300 to transmit a signal to the first device 301,controlling it to cause audio and/or video system 316 to load and playthe selected DVD.

FIG. 19 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 19 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 1902.

At the operation 1902 a signal is transmitted, in response to a userselection, from the wireless device to the first device to cause thefirst device to disable a security system for the vehicle. For example,the determination might be that the wireless device 300 is withinproximity to first device 301 and coming closer to the driver's door ofthe vehicle. In such a case, a signal may be sent by wireless device 300to cause controller 312 to control security system 320 and turn off ordisable the vehicle alarm, if applicable, and open the driver's doorlock only, although other settings are possible.

FIG. 20 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 20 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2002.

At the operation 2002 a signal is transmitted from the wireless deviceto control the first device to perform a first non-default operationwith respect to the vehicle in response to receiving at the wirelessdevice a user selection corresponding to the first non-defaultoperation. For example, the user 104 might be walking toward thedriver's door, but also a guest or family member of the user 104 isstanding near the passenger's door. In this scenario, the defaultoperation might be to open the driver's door, but the user 104 mightinstead intend to let the guest access their belongings using thepassenger side door. In such a scenario, wireless device 300 may receivea user selection of “open passenger door” and then transmit a signal tocontrol the first device 301 to open the passenger's door only, forexample.

FIG. 21 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 21 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2102.

At the operation 2102 a financial transaction relating to a product orservice is executed. For example, the wireless device 300 might beconfigured to operate with one or more service providers, like vehiclerental services, hotels, restaurants, etc. In such a case, the firstdevice 301 might be caused to connect to an external source, for exampleusing information system 314 and/or communication system 348 to chargethe user's credit card, bank account, or the like. Or, controller 160 ofwireless device 300 or controller 312 of first device 301 may establisha communications link to a computer at a gas station and execute thepurchase of gasoline for vehicle 330.

FIG. 22 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 22 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2202.

At the operation 2202 a financial transaction relating to the vehicle isexecuted based on a user selection received at the wireless device. Forexample, the wireless device 300 might be configured to operate with avehicle rental service and a menu of several potential rental vehiclesmight be presented to the user on the display system 153. The user 104might select one of the vehicles from a menu 156 of available vehicleson display system 153, and depending on the selection, a financialtransaction is executed (e.g., the user's credit card is charged or theuser's bank account is debited) in an amount, which represents the costof the vehicle selected.

FIG. 23 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 23 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2302.

At the operation 2302 vehicle-related information is transmitted fromthe wireless device to the first device. For example, test instructionsmay be transmitted from wireless device 300 to first device 301 tocontrol one or more tests or diagnostics for vehicle 330.

FIG. 24 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 430 of FIG. 4. FIG. 24 illustrates example embodiments where theperforming operation 430 may include at least one additional operation.Additional operations may include an operation 2402.

At the operation 2402 a trip configuration is transmitted from thewireless device to the first device. For example, the wireless device300 might have a specific trip configuration that the user 104 desiresat that time, including a destination address, preferred stops along theway, estimated time of departure, and various other trip relatedinformation, such as requested audio or video programming for the trip,etc.

FIG. 25 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400, where the operational flow 400 may include at least oneadditional operation. Additional operations may include an operation2510, and/or an operation 2520.

At the operation 2510 it is determined that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity. At the operation 2520 asignal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device tocause the first device to perform a default operation with respect tothe vehicle in response to determining that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity. In an example embodiment,wireless device 300 may send a command or signal to first device toperform a default operation when a specific even occurs. For example,wireless device 300 may send a signal to first device 301 to causecontroller 312 to actuate the lock system 326 and the security system320 in order to lock the doors and turn on the alarm when the user 104walks away from the vehicle and is no longer in the proximity 106.

FIG. 26 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400, where the operational flow 400 may include at least oneadditional operation. Additional operations may include an operation2610, and/or an operation 2620.

At the operation 2610 it is determined that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity. At the operation 2620 asignal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device tocause the first device to enable a security system of the vehicle inresponse to the determining that the first device and the wirelessdevice are no longer in proximity. For example, a signal may betransmitted by wireless device 300 to first device 301 automaticallywhen the user 104 walks away from the vehicle 330 and is no longer inproximity 106, so as to cause the alarm to be activated by controller312.

FIG. 27 illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operationalflow 400, where the operational flow 400 may include at least oneadditional operation. Additional operations may include an operation2710, and/or an operation 2720.

At the operation 2710 it is determined that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity At the operation 2720 asignal is transmitted from the wireless device to the first device tocause the first device to actuate a lock system of the vehicle inresponse to determining that the first device and the wireless deviceare no longer in proximity. For example, a signal may be sent bywireless device 300 to cause the controller 312 to actuate all of thedoors causing them to be locked automatically when the user 104 walksaway from the vehicle and is no longer in the proximity 106.

FIG. 28 illustrates a partial view of an example computer programproduct 2800 that includes a computer program 2804 for executing acomputer process on a computing device. An embodiment of the examplecomputer program product 2800 is provided using a signal bearing medium2802, and may include at least one of one or more instructions formaking a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle isin proximity to a wireless device, the signal bearing medium alsobearing one or more instructions for determining a user interface on thewireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determination,and the signal bearing medium also bearing one or more instructions forperforming an operation with respect to the vehicle based on thedetermination. The one or more instructions may be, for example,computer executable and/or logic-implemented instructions. In oneimplementation, the signal-bearing medium 2802 may include acomputer-readable medium 2806. In one implementation, the signal bearingmedium 2802 may include a recordable medium 2808. In one implementation,the signal bearing medium 2802 may include a communications medium 2810.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example system 2900 in which embodiments may beimplemented. The system 2900 includes a computing system environmentthat may include wireless device 300 and first device 301. The system2900 also illustrates the user 104 using the wireless device 300, whichis optionally shown as being in communication with the first device 301by way of a proximity based connection 106. The proximity basedconnection 106 may represent a local, wide-area, or peer-to-peernetwork, or may represent a bus that is internal to a computing device(e.g., in example embodiments in which the computing device 2902 iscontained in whole or in part within the device 2904). A storage medium2908 may be any computer storage media.

The wireless device 300 and the first device 301 use computer-executableinstructions 2910 that when executed on the wireless device 300 and/orthe first device 301 cause the computing devices to make a determinationthat a first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to awireless device, determine a user interface on the wireless device withrespect to the vehicle based on the determination, and perform anoperation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination.

In FIG. 29, then, the system 2900 includes at least one computing device(e.g., 2902 and/or 2904). The computer-executable instructions 2910 maybe executed on one or more of the at least one computing device. Forexample, the computing device 2902 may implement the computer-executableinstructions 2910 and output a result to (and/or receive data from) thecomputing device 2904. Since the computing device 2902 may be wholly orpartially contained within the computing device 2904, the computingdevice 2904 also may be said to execute some or all of thecomputer-executable instructions 2910, in order to be caused to performor implement, for example, various ones of the techniques describedherein, or other techniques.

The wireless device 300 may include, for example, one or more of apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a tablet personalcomputer, a networked computer, a computing system comprised of acluster of processors, a workstation computer, a cellular phone, asmartcard, a remote control, a vehicle key unit, and/or a desktopcomputer. In another example embodiment, the wireless device 300 may beoperable to communicate with the first device 301 to communicate with adatabase (e.g., implemented using the storage medium 2908) to access theat least one dataset and/or to access the second dataset.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where there is little distinction leftbetween hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; theuse of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that incertain contexts the choice between hardware and software can becomesignificant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoffs.Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are variousvehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologiesdescribed herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/orfirmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context inwhich the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies aredeployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed andaccuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies describedherein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to theother in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon thecontext in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns(e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any ofwhich may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that opticalaspects of implementations will typically employ optically-orientedhardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood by those within the art that each function and/or operationwithin such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,several portions of the subject matter described herein may beimplemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), FieldProgrammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), orother integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art willrecognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies regardless of the particular type of signal bearing medium usedto actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearingmedium include, but are not limited to, the following: a recordable typemedium such as a floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), aDigital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, a computer memory, a RAM, aflash memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium such as a digitaland/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, awaveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link,etc.).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that thesubject matter described herein may be implemented in an analog ordigital fashion or some combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use engineering practices to integrate such describeddevices and/or processes into data processing systems. That is, at leasta portion of the devices and/or processes described herein can beintegrated into a data processing system via a reasonable amount ofexperimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that atypical data processing system generally includes one or more of asystem unit housing, a video display device, a memory such as volatileand non-volatile memory, processors such as microprocessors and digitalsignal processors, computational entities such as operating systems,drivers, graphical user interfaces, and applications programs, one ormore interaction devices, such as a touch pad or screen, and/or controlsystems including feedback loops and control motors (e.g., feedback forsensing position and/or velocity; control motors for moving and/oradjusting components and/or quantities). A typical data processingsystem may be implemented utilizing any suitable commercially availablecomponents, such as those typically found in datacomputing/communication and/or network computing/communication systems.

The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates differentcomponents contained within, or connected with, different othercomponents. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures aremerely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can beimplemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality iseffectively “associated” such that the desired functionality isachieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve aparticular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each othersuch that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective ofarchitectures or intermediate components. Likewise, any two componentsso associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected,” or“operably coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality.Any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed asbeing “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desiredfunctionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but arenot limited to physically mateable and/or physically interactingcomponents and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interactingcomponents and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactablecomponents.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as disclosed herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spiritof the embodiments of the invention.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from this subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of this subject matter describedherein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solelydefined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those withinthe art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in theappended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generallyintended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should beinterpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” shouldbe interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should beinterpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will befurther understood by those within the art that if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will beexplicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitationno such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, thefollowing appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases“at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply thatthe introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or“an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claimrecitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even whenthe same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “atleast one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or“an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one ormore”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used tointroduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number ofan introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe art will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general sucha construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the artwould understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one ofA, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be furtherunderstood by those within the art that any disjunctive word and/orphrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in thedescription, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplatethe possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: making, by a wirelessdevice, a determination that a first device associated with a vehicle isin proximity to the wireless device; determining, by the wirelessdevice, a user interface on the wireless device with respect to thevehicle based on the determination that the first device is in proximityto the wireless device; receiving a user selection via the userinterface of a non-default operation with respect to an additionaldevice of the vehicle when the additional device is in proximity to thewireless device, wherein the additional device is one of a plurality ofdevices of the vehicle; and performing, by the wireless device, anoperation with respect to the vehicle based on the determination and theuser selection, the operation including at least: transmitting, by thewireless device, a respective signal to each of the plurality of devicesof the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity to thewireless device, each respective signal causing a respective defaultoperation to be performed by each of the plurality of devices, andtransmitting an additional signal to cause the non-default operation tobe performed by the additional device.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinthe making a determination that a first device associated with a vehicleis in proximity to a wireless device comprises: making a determinationby the wireless device that the first device is in proximity to thewireless device based on a received wireless signal from the firstdevice.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the making a determination thata first device associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wirelessdevice comprises: determining of a touching between the wireless deviceand the vehicle; and establishing a wireless communications link betweenthe first device and the wireless device in response to the determiningof a touching between the wireless device and the vehicle.
 4. The methodof claim 1 wherein the making a determination that a first deviceassociated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless devicecomprises: determining that a first device coupled to a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device without the wireless device touching thevehicle; and establishing a wireless communications link between thefirst device and the wireless device in response to the determining thatthe first device coupled to the vehicle is in proximity to the wirelessdevice without the wireless device touching the vehicle.
 5. The methodof claim 1 wherein the making a determination that a first deviceassociated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless devicecomprises: receiving a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal fromthe first device.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the making adetermination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device comprises: receiving a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) signal from the first device, and wherein thetransmitting, by the wireless device, a respective signal to each of theplurality of devices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are inproximity to the wireless device, each respective signal to cause arespective default operation to be performed by each of the plurality ofdevices comprises: transmitting a signal from the wireless device to thefirst device to cause the vehicle to perform a default operation inresponse to the receiving the RFID signal from the first device.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the determining a user interface on thewireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determinationcomprises: displaying on the wireless device a menu of vehicleoperations for the vehicle.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein thetransmitting, by the wireless device, a respective signal to each of theplurality of devices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are inproximity to the wireless device, each respective signal to cause arespective default operation to be performed by each of the plurality ofdevices comprises: transmitting a signal from the wireless device to thefirst device to cause the first device to actuate a door lock of thevehicle.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting, by thewireless device, a respective signal to each of the plurality of devicesof the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity to thewireless device, each respective signal to cause a respective defaultoperation to be performed by each of the plurality of devices comprises:transmitting a signal from the wireless device to the first device tocause the first device to control an ignition system on the vehiclebased on the determination.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein thetransmitting, by the wireless device, a respective signal to each of theplurality of devices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are inproximity to the wireless device, each respective signal to cause arespective default operation to be performed by each of the plurality ofdevices comprises: transmitting a signal from the wireless device to thefirst device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation with respectto one or more of a security system, a lock system, an air conditioningsystem, a heating system, an audio system or a video system for thevehicle based on the determination.
 11. The method of claim 1 whereinthe transmitting, by the wireless device, a respective signal to each ofthe plurality of devices of the vehicle when the plurality of devicesare in proximity to the wireless device, each respective signal to causea respective default operation to be performed by each of the pluralityof devices comprises: transmitting a signal from the wireless device tothe first device to cause the vehicle to perform an operation withrespect to one or more of a navigation system, an information system, anignition system, a lighting control system, a communication system, adriver settings system, or a user customization system for the vehiclebased on the determination.
 12. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: displaying on the wireless device a menu of vehicleoperations for the vehicle as part of the determined user interface;receiving at the wireless device a selection of one of the vehicleoperations; and transmitting a signal from the wireless device to thefirst device to control the first device to perform the selected vehicleoperation.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting, by thewireless device, a respective signal to each of the plurality of devicesof the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity to thewireless device, each respective signal to cause a respective defaultoperation to be performed by each of the plurality of devices comprises:transmitting a signal, in response to a user selection, from thewireless device to the first device to cause the first device to disablea security system for the vehicle.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein thetransmitting, by the wireless device, a respective signal to each of theplurality of devices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are inproximity to the wireless device, each respective signal to cause arespective default operation to be performed by each of the plurality ofdevices comprises: executing a financial transaction relating to aproduct or service.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the transmitting,by the wireless device, a respective signal to each of the plurality ofdevices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity tothe wireless device, each respective signal to cause a respectivedefault operation to be performed by each of the plurality of devicescomprises: executing a financial transaction relating to the vehiclebased on a user selection received at the wireless device.
 16. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: transmitting vehicle-relatedinformation from the wireless device to the first device.
 17. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a trip configuration fromthe wireless device to the first device.
 18. The method of claim 1 andfurther comprising: determining that the first device and the wirelessdevice are no longer in proximity; and transmitting a signal from thewireless device to the first device to cause the first device to performa default operation with respect to the vehicle in response todetermining that the first device and the wireless device are no longerin proximity.
 19. The method of claim 1 and further comprising:determining that the first device and the wireless device are no longerin proximity; and transmitting a signal from the wireless device to thefirst device to cause the first device to enable a security system ofthe vehicle in response to the determining that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity.
 20. The method of claim 1and further comprising: determining that the first device and thewireless device are no longer in proximity; and transmitting a signalfrom the wireless device to the first device to cause the first deviceto actuate a lock system of the vehicle in response to determining thatthe first device and the wireless device are no longer in proximity. 21.A computer program product comprising: a non-transitory recordablestorage medium bearing: one or more instructions executable by aprocessor for making a determination that a first device associated witha vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device; one or more instructionsexecutable by the processor for determining a user interface on thewireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determinationthat the first device is in proximity to the wireless device; one ormore instructions executable by the processor for transmitting arespective signal to each of a plurality of devices of the vehicle whenthe plurality of devices are in proximity to the wireless device, eachrespective signal to cause a respective default operation to beperformed by each of the plurality of devices; one or more instructionsexecutable by the processor for receiving a user selection via the userinterface of a non-default operation with respect to an additionaldevice of the vehicle when the additional device is in proximity to thewireless device, wherein the additional device is one of the pluralityof devices; and one or more instructions executable by the processor fortransmitting an additional signal to the additional device of thevehicle in response to receiving the user selection, the additionalsignal to cause the non-default operation to be performed by theadditional device.
 22. The computer program product of claim 21 whereinthe non-transitory recording medium includes a computer-readable medium.23. A system comprising: a computing device having memory and aprocessor, the computing device configured to respond to instructionsthat when executed by the processor cause the computing device to: makea determination that a first device associated with a vehicle is inproximity to a wireless device; determine a user interface on thewireless device with respect to the vehicle based on the determinationthat the first device is in proximity to the wireless device; transmitvia a transmitter a respective signal to each of a plurality of devicesof the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity to thewireless device, each respective signal to cause a respective defaultoperation to be performed by each of the plurality of devices; receive auser selection via the user interface of a non-default operation withrespect to an additional device of the vehicle when the additionaldevice is in proximity to the wireless device, wherein the additionaldevice is one of the plurality of devices; and transmit via thetransmitter an additional signal to the additional device of the vehiclein response to receiving the user selection, the additional signal tocause the non-default operation to be performed by the additionaldevice.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein the computing devicecomprises: one or more of a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptopcomputer, a tablet personal computer, a networked computer, a computingsystem comprised of a cluster of processors, a workstation computer,and/or a desktop computer.
 25. A system comprising: a processor;determination logic configured to make a determination that a firstdevice associated with a vehicle is in proximity to a wireless device; auser interface configured to be determined on the wireless device withrespect to the vehicle based on the determination that the first deviceis in proximity to the wireless device; an automatic invocation systemconfigured to transmit a respective signal to each of a plurality ofdevices of the vehicle when the plurality of devices are in proximity tothe wireless device, each respective signal to cause a respectivedefault operation to be performed by each of the plurality of devices;an input system configured to receive a user selection of a non-defaultoperation with respect to an additional device of the vehicle when theadditional device is in proximity to the wireless device, wherein theadditional device is one of the plurality of devices; and electricalcircuitry configured to transmit an additional signal to the additionaldevice of the vehicle in response to receiving the user selection, theadditional signal to cause the non-default operation to be performed bythe additional device.
 26. The system of claim 25 wherein the userinterface comprises: a menu of vehicle operations for the vehicleconfigured to be displayed on the wireless device.
 27. The method ofclaim 1, wherein a particular signal transmitted to a particular deviceof the vehicle depends on whether the proximity of the wireless devicewith respect to the particular device is increasing or decreasing.